134 
NEW-YORK FAUNA-BIRDS, 
1 
THE RAVEN. 
CoRVUS CORAX. 
PLATE XXIV. FIG. 51. 
Conus corax, Lin. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 9, p. 113, pi. 75, fig. 3. Bonaparte, Ann. Lyc. Vol. 2, p. 50. 
Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 102. Audubon, folio, pi. 101. Emmons, Cat. Mass. p. 9. 
Doughty, Cab. Nat. Hist. Vol. I, p. 278, pi. 21. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol, 3, p. 290. 
C. catotoll. Bonaparte, Comp. List, p. 28. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 4, p. 78, pi. 224. 
C. corax, The Raven. Gikaud, Birds of Long island, p. 149. 
Characteristics. Black. Back glossed with bluish purple. Feathers of the throat and 
breast loose and long. Tail much rounded ; third primary longest. 
Larger than the preceding. Length, 26 inches. 
Description. The same remark made in reference to the characters of the Common 
Crow, will apply to this species; the strongest diagnostic character being limited to the 
specific phrase. The nasal feathers are half the length of the bill; the feathers of the breast 
elongated, lanceolate and prominently pendant. Bill notched near the tip. 
Color. Bluish purple with greenish tints, less glossy beneath. Bill and feet black. Irides 
dark chesnut brown. Young, frequently pied white and black. 
Length, 25‘0-26‘0. Alar spread, 50 - 0. 
This species is rare in this State, except in the northern district, where I have noticed it 
to be common, and where it breeds. The eggs are greenish blue, with blotches of light 
purple and yellowish brown at the larger end. It is omnivorous, feeding on grain, field-mice, 
grubs and worms. It is considered by most ornithologists to be common to Europe and 
America, although Wagler and Bonaparte treat it as a distinct species. It occurs from the 
Polar sea to Mexico, rarely appearing in the Atlantic States near the seashore. Mr. Giraud 
states that a few occur on the seacoast of New-Jersey, and that it is occasionally seen soaring 
in wide circles over the shores of Long island. 
